This paper describes an effort to bridge research and practice in residential care through implementing a program model titled Children and Residential Experiences (CARE). The strategy involves consulting at all levels of the organization to guide personnel to incorporate CARE evidence-based principles into daily practice, and fostering an…

This article provides an overview of the history, development, and conceptual framework guiding a national certification initiative for child and youth care workers. Summarized are descriptions of three certification assessment measures (supervisor assessment, situational judgment certification exam, and portfolio assessment), integrated with…

Recognizing the importance of understanding the way in which supervisors in child welfare perceive their administrative responsibilities and use of power and authority, an exploratory study was conducted. Supervisors in child welfare agencies in urban and rural settings participated in focus groups and discussed the impact of macro and micro…

Although existing family preservation program research has focused on identifying the components of effective treatment, we remain far from fully developing empirically supported interventions (Barth, Chamberlain, Reid, Rolls, Hurlburt, Farmer, James, McCabe, & Kohl, 2005; Dufour, Chamberland, & Trocme, 2003). The current longitudinal study…

Clarifies issues related to the practice of "risk adoption," a method designed to reduce multiple placements by putting children not legally free for adoption into foster care with adults likely to adopt them upon termination of the biological parents' rights. (RH)

Focuses on the use of ecological theory in permanency planning cases to understand and work with individuals and families, giving special attention to the complex interaction between person and environment. Discusses how bias against the interactionist perspective can operate in permanency planning activities, and offers suggestions for reducing…

Reviews legislation related to defining emotional neglect and abuse, classifies those cases frequently reported to child welfare agencies, and suggests case management approaches to this type of abuse and neglect. (Author/RH)

Discusses foster care with potential for adoption, describes eight legal categories identified as appropriate for foster care/adoption planning, and indicates aspects of cooperation between social work and legal personnel. Rights of biological parents, the importance of trust among parties concerned, and misuses and pitfalls of the foster…

Highlights use by caseworkers of genogram construction with children in care. Notes that genogram construction can be an initial engagement tool and a way to gather information about children's view of care and their family. Suggests that genograms can enhance rapport between caseworkers and children of different ethnicities, support permanency…

Presents an advocacy practice model which analyzes and interrelates the components of the process. Lists 12 major variables in case advocacy together with 10 key questions which may guide the advocate's decision-making process and shape advocacy activities. (BR)

Details benefits and pitfalls of periodic court review for achieving placement permanency for children, discussing what individual caseworkers can do to improve the review process. (RH)

Explores the perceptions of 74 New Jersey child welfare workers pertaining to independent case reviews of children placed outside the home. Workers' understanding of the law, their methods of dealing with placement review in their practice, their relationship with their local board, and their overall assessment of the advantages and disadvantages…

Proposes a comprehensive definition of permanency planning and delineates its major components. (Author/RH)

The effects of the treatment of emotionally disturbed children in pairs (duo therapy) are discussed. (BRT)

Points out the unresolved and complex issues affecting social agencies as they cope with the needs of unaccompanied refugee minors. (MP)